HC Deb 18 February 1943 vol 386 cc1935-6
45. Squadron-Leader Donner

asked the Prime Minister how many Defence Regulations have been made under the provisions of the Emergency Powers Act; how many Orders, rules and by-laws have been made under the authority of the Defence Regulations; and how many directions have been made under the authorities of the Orders, rules and bylaws?

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

It is the practice to publish periodically volumes containing up-to-date collections of Defence Regulations. The Defence (General) Regulations number 318 and there are 43 codes of Defence Regulations dealing with special subjects, such as finance, administration of justice, etc. As previously stated, the number of Statutory Rules and Orders made under Defence Regulations and now in force is about 2,100. This figure includes directions which, being of general application, are published as Statutory Rules and Orders. As regards directions given in individual cases, such for example as directions given under Defence Regulation 60J to individual householders about removing goods which have been salvaged from houses damaged by air raids, it would be impracticable to give a statistical statement.

Squadron-Leader Donner

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only a handful of these rules, Orders and by-laws have been debated by this House?

Mr. Attlee

I am well aware of that, but in war-time Ministerial action has to be taken rapidly. If the House had to discuss every detailed point like this, we should not get on with the war.

Squadron-Leader Donner

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the establishment of a Select Committee, so that the House would not lose complete control?

Sir Irving Albery

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the remarks of magistrates when passing lenient sentences, that it is impossible for people to be adequately aware of the meaning of these various regulations?

Mr. Attlee

It has always struck me as being difficult to assume that everyone knew the law. I have spent some time studying it, and I know little about it now.